Development of Catchers... When is it too late?

by novaoakland on Jun 10, 2006 1:20 AM EDT

So the inspiration for this diary is Jed Morris (Oakland's other AA catcher). But really do not mean for this to be about him, but more of getting people thoughts on catcher development in general.

I think it is generally accepted that catchers take longer to develop, but when is too late for them?

Under normal circumstances a hitter dominating single A at 25 or AA at 26 would be ignored but what type of developmental break do catchers get.

Anyone have info on when catchers average age is when they make it to the bigs?
What is an apropriate age to league for a catcher or do the get no special breaks?
---
For those of you interested here are Jed Morris'
stats
3 years in high A with OPS of 829, 737, 939
First year in AA 922 OPS
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/M/jed-morris.shtml

As far as I have seen he has never even ranked as an A's top 30 prospect.

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Too Late?

I think Paul LoDuca, for one, was pretty old when he broke in with the Dodgers. Eliezar Alfonzo is probably just getting a cup of coffee with the Giants, but is playing well at age 27 or so. Of course, that's the Giants.

by DrBGiantsfan on Jun 10, 2006 9:03 AM EDT reply actions

hmm?

I think it is generally accepted that catchers take longer to develop

I don't generally accept this :) Who has said this? I have never heard it. If anything, it would stand to reason that since their careers end earlier, they should also peak earlier. I'm not arguing that that is true, really, but I've never heard the opposite claimed either. They develop less, but that is not the same as developing later.

and boom goes the dynamite.

by Mean Dean on Jun 10, 2006 11:38 AM EDT reply actions

I could be wrong

But here are a few of the top catchers and age they became a regular.
Posada - 27
Varitek -27
Victor Martinez - 25
Piazza - 24
Barrett - 21 ( but not over 800 OPS until 27)
Lo Duca - 27

Yes very aware of Mauer, MCann ect but they seem to be the exception.

by novaoakland on Jun 10, 2006 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions

Don't forget Pudge

what was he, 19?

"When you can hit, you can hit, and he can hit." -Tom Grieve on Michael Young.

by thedirkatron on Jun 11, 2006 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions

catchers

they develop less, peak later and end earlier. there's no good news here. catching is brutal.

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=4464

by jpahk on Jun 10, 2006 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions

cool

Thanks for the link, seems to be right on the nose to this question. Will check it out.

and boom goes the dynamite.

by Mean Dean on Jun 11, 2006 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions

This would make sense

due to the physical demands of a catcher and how much the get injured. If a catcher gets injured in the minors, it generally wastes a year in their development and if their bodies are banged up their peak will end earlier in their careers. Sucks.

by achengy on Jun 11, 2006 6:12 PM EDT up reply actions